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01-01-2015, 03:30 PM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Princeton
Posts: 62
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Getting Ready to pull the Trigger but have towing ?
Newbe to this forum. Almost ready to order a Pinnacle 38FLSA
I have done some searches but am looking for some real world towing advice.
I am looking to upgrade from a 8000 lb travel trailer to a fifth wheel that is 13800 dry weight and around 15000 loaded up. My truck is bone stock. We would be going on small trips with the yearly Florida winter trip. about 3500 miles round trip. Do you think i have enough truck for this camper? Or will i have regrets. I know the newer years have higher tow ratings. But this truck looks like a new one and i really don't want to upgrade. One option is i could swap gears from a 3.73 to 4.10. Just was wondering if others have towed with a 2004 ram 3500. Any suggestions would be appreciated.
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2004.0 RAM 3500 DW 5.9 305HP 48RE 3.73 All Stock
2014 Keystone Passport Elite 33BH
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01-01-2015, 06:46 PM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Virginia`s Eastern Shore
Posts: 17,093
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I cannot answer your questions but I can welcome you to the forum!
__________________
2017 Coachmen Catalina 283RKS
2018 Ford F250 Super Duty 6.2l CCSB
2010 Jayflight 28BHS (sold)
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01-01-2015, 07:15 PM
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#3
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Princeton
Posts: 62
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Thanks Crabman. I might be worrying for nothing. There is a guy with a new toy hauler i know that grosses out around 23000 and he is pulling that with a f350 drw. that is on the verge of needing a toter.
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01-01-2015, 07:32 PM
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#4
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Spicewood, Texas
Posts: 913
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You have plent of truck. I've pulled more with single wheel.
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2015 338RETS Eagle Premier gloss sides., king.
2012 Ram 3500, crew cab 4x4 duelly Deleted
16k miles, 530HP, 1000 +torque.
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01-01-2015, 10:23 PM
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#5
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Twin Falls
Posts: 930
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I too think your truck is up for the challenge, you don't need to change anything, just enjoy it. The older 5.9 trucks have been well proven.
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2011 Dodge Ram 2500 Cummins
2012 Starcraft Autumn Ridge 297 BHS
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01-01-2015, 10:50 PM
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#6
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Site Team
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: Charleston
Posts: 1,714
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First welcome to the group.
My TT is close to 10k and i pull it with a 2005 ram 5.9 with no problem at all.
__________________
Can't find what you're looking on JOF? Try:Jayco Owners Forum Custom Google Search
TV 2005 Ram 3500 CC LB SRW Cummins POWER
2014 Jayco Jayflight 32BHDS Prodigy P3 brake controller.Reese dual cam 1400/14000
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01-02-2015, 02:43 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Oct 2014
Location: Dunnellon
Posts: 241
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Philbert, DO IT! We just bought our FLSA after almost a year of shopping for a TV and RV. While not a Dodge we also towing with an older truck, 2001 Chevy 3500 DRW. I believe the DRW makes a bigger difference than the year or make. We picked ours up on Friday before Christmas and left on Saturday for a 1000 mile, 4 campsite, week long adventure - what a blast! The FLSA (our first 5er) pulls like a dream with the MorRide hitch and suspension. A dually and the FLSA make the perfect combo for us. Will add a tag line a pic soon...
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01-02-2015, 08:54 AM
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#8
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Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: Saskatoon Sask Canada
Posts: 10,726
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What does the drivers door panel info card say for tow weights? I should give you all the info you need to know for towing.
__________________
Seann
2004 Chev Silverado Duramax optioned past the max. 2009 Jayco Eagle 308 RLS 900watts of solar, Lithium batteries (400amp hour), 2000 watt (4000 surge) whole house inverter.
145days /2023 2022/151 2021[/COLOR]
93/2020,157/2019219/2018 206/2017,215/2016, 211/2015, 196/14, 247/13, 193/12
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01-02-2015, 10:08 AM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Alberta
Posts: 557
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I use to own the same truck. It will definitely do the job, however, if memory serves me correctly you won't be "legal". I believe that the quad cab 4x4 with 3.73 was rated at either 9400 lbs or 10,400 depending on the package with a gcwr of either 17k or 18k again depending on your vehicle package. Your moving to a fifth wheel that weighs empty at 14k and realistically loaded at over 16k. Your truck empty weighs over 7k so legally your well over your "legal" limit.
Changing to 4.10 gears won't help with the legal weight issues and won't match your tranny programming. Even with the 4.10 from the factory, max towing was 12,400 with a gcwr of 20k. Your over that with the 3.73 or even the 4.10. I'm not suggesting to not keep your truck, just that the numbers are problematic. It has only been in the last few years that the big towing numbers have come out.
That 5.9 is a great engine, but to upgrade your power put a tuner on the truck and a bigger exhaust. To me that would be better all around than changing the rear end.
Best of luck and enjoy you're new unit.
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01-02-2015, 06:05 PM
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#10
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Member
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Princeton
Posts: 62
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Its a 2wd crew cab DRW with a gcwr of 21000 it says if it had a 4.10 gear instead of the 3.73 it would be 23000. The delivered weight will be around 13850 with a max weight of 15950. so i think we will be around 14750. should be around 21750. I guess if it does not like it i will have to upgrade.
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01-02-2015, 06:59 PM
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#11
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Junior Member
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Channahon
Posts: 12
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Go to 5thwheelst.com they have a calculator there. Its free.
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